Chris, I have been poked hundreds of times and more than half blood has been drawn but the pencil is just so perfectly weighted, it seems like a shame to make the tip retractable. It's the perfect weapon as is. To write and to fight. However, with a small person around the house with you, i dont know if it would be safe. I've had mine for over 10 years now. People still ask how I get by with just 2 pencils and not lose them.